How to distribute to AWA

For artists, record record labels, and music app developers, getting your music on various streaming platforms is crucial for expanding your audience. AWA Music is a popular music streaming service in Japan that can significantly boost your visibility and revenue. This guide will outline the steps to get your music on AWA Music, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of revenue.

Why distribute music to AWA Music?

AWA Music is a leading music streaming service in Japan with millions of active users. By distributing your music on AWA, you can tap into a vast audience in one of the world's largest music markets, potentially increasing your fanbase and income. The platform supports high-quality streaming and offers various subscription plans, enhancing the user experience.

Market share and popular regions

AWA Music is particularly popular in Japan, providing a significant opportunity for artists to reach a dedicated and engaged audience. Japan is one of the world's largest music markets, making it a strategic region for music distribution.

Steps to distribute music to AWA Music

Using a Digital Distribution Service

To distribute your music on AWA Music, you’ll need to use a digital distribution service. These services facilitate the process of uploading your music to various online stores and streaming platforms, including AWA Music.

Confirmed digital distribution services that support AWA Music:

• iMusician
• FreshTunes
• Novecore

Steps to use a distributor:

1. Choose a distributor: Select one of the popular digital distribution services listed above.
2. Prepare your music:
   • High-quality audio files: Preferred formats are WAV or FLAC.
   • Album artwork: High-resolution images that meet the distributor’s specifications.
   • Metadata: Details such as song titles, album name, artist name, genre, and release date.
3. Upload your music:
   • Create an account on your chosen distribution service.
   • Upload your high-quality audio files.
   • Enter all relevant information about your music.
   • Decide on pricing for your music on AWA Music, if applicable.
4. Select AWA Music as a distribution platform: Ensure that AWA Music is selected during the upload process.
5. Submit and monitor your release: After submitting your music, the distribution service will handle the rest. Your music will be reviewed and then made available on AWA Music.

What they pay artists/record labels

Understanding the potential revenue from distributing music on AWA Music is crucial. Earnings are primarily generated through streaming royalties.

Revenue breakdown

• Streaming royalties: Artists and record labels are paid per stream. The exact amount per stream varies based on factors such as the listener’s location, subscription plan, and the distribution service used. While specific figures for AWA Music aren't widely published, streaming royalties are generally comparable to other major streaming platforms.

Payment timelines

Payments from digital distribution services to artists and record labels are usually made on a monthly basis, though this can differ by service. Most services offer direct deposit, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods.

Conclusion

Distributing your music to AWA Music can significantly enhance your reach and revenue potential, particularly in Japan. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using a reliable digital distribution service, you can ensure that your music is accessible to millions of potential listeners.